Idaho’s refugee resettlement agencies in Boise and Twin Falls are preparing to welcome more than 400 men, women and children from Afghanistan over the next several months. 

On this page you'll find resources for American citizens and Afghan nationals who are seeking help relocating. Much of this information is from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Information is also available in Pashto and Farsi/Dari, provided by the California Department of Social Services. Click on the following links for the resource list:
The Refugee Processing Center also provides forms and instructions in multiple languages here regarding the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the Special Immigrant Visa program for Afghan nationals. 
 
IDAHO RESOURCES

  • Idahoans wanting to help welcome our new neighbors can find details here on how to donate and be involved.
  • Our state's members of Congress have been working to help Idahoans and their loved ones safely get out of Afghanistan.
    • To contact members of Idaho’s congressional delegation, click here.​

CITIZENS

U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to leave Afghanistan should complete the Repatriation Form. If you are unable to access the form, email your complete biographic details, contact information (email address and phone number), and U.S. Passport number to AfghanistanACS@state.gov.  

SIV PROGRAM 

Special Immigrant Visas are available to individuals who have worked as translators, interpreters, or other professionals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. SIV holders receive the same benefits and services as do refugees under the U.S. Refugee Assistance Program. 
 
Find more information about eligibility and application requirements here.
 
PRIORITY VISAS
 
Priority 2 (P2) visas are for Afghans who may be at risk due to their U.S. affiliation but who do not qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa. These folks may have been employed by U.S. NGOs, media organizations, human rights groups, or subcontractors of the U.S. government. 
 
Priority 3 (P3) status (or ‘family reunification’ status) is given to spouses, unmarried children under age 21, or parents of individuals already admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees. P3 application processes must be completed outside the country of origin.
 
Find more information about P2 and P3 eligibility and application forms here. 
 
For additional questions related to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, contact USRAPAfghanInquiries@state.gov.
 
If you are a P2 applicant and in immediate danger, call the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Protection Line at (+93) 079 069 1746 or (+93) 070 499 6168 or email afgkaprt@unhcr.org. 
 
HUMANITARIAN PAROLE
 
If you are not eligible for an SIV, P2 or P3, humanitarian parole might be a good option. You may apply for humanitarian parole if you have a compelling emergency and there is an urgent humanitarian reason or significant public benefit to allowing you to temporarily enter the United States.
 
Find application details here from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
 
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants provides this guide for those seeking support with visa applications, appealing a visa denial or other legal questions:  

·         Referral to Project: Afghan Legal Assistance (PALA) 
·         Afghan Support Intake – PARS Equality Center
·         AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search (ailalawyer.com)
·         Legal Resources for Afghans | International Refugee Assistance Project (refugeerights.org)
·         Legal Services – USCRI (refugees.org)

Photo credit: Defense.gov
Information sourced from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants